Chapter 222 - AS IF ON CUE

LAUREN patted his tummy contently and let out a sigh of satisfaction. That was probably the most fulfilling meal he had ever eaten since he became an actor. It seemed that he had to exercise later to burn off all the food he ate. Not that he's complaining though. Astrid's food was definitely worth of the extra exercise.

Reas glanced at the guy sitting comfortably on the opposite couch. He was rubbing his stomach with a satisfied grin. The expression on his face was like that of a very pleased cat that just finished its meal. And a sudden thought flashed in Reas' mind as he was looking at the other – he wanted to pet this cat and hear him purr.

The moment that thought crossed his mind, he immediately gazed down. He could feel his cheeks heating up. He felt ashamed for thinking of something like that even just for a moment.

Just what was that? Was he crazy? Why did he think of something like that? Wasn't he already doing good, ignoring the other's presence? So, why would something like that popped up in his mind?

Then a voice inside him seemed to answer one of his questions – 'because you have never really ignored him'. That's right. As much as he tried to, he couldn't help but be aware of the other's every movement. He might not have been looking, but he was listening to every word Lauren had said. It would be a complete lie if he said the opposite.

He felt like all that teasing by his brother finally got to his head that's why he's being too self-conscious of Lauren. What else could the reason be? It definitely wouldn't be because all those nonsense Astrid was spouting suddenly became true.

He shook his head. What did it matter anyway? This was probably just a phase that would soon pass the moment Lauren left this place. It's a good thing that starting tomorrow, the time that he would meet this guy would decrease tremendously. After all, the other was a busy actor while he was a military student.

If Astrid did something like this again, setting the two of them to meet like this, then he would just refuse. That way, he wouldn't feel these complicated feelings again.

Astrid came from the kitchen carrying a tray of the tea that he brewed. He put it down on the center table and gave Reas and Lauren a cup each. He also picked one for himself.

Lauren who received the cup of tea quickly drank a sip and he felt like flowers just bloomed in his mouth. That's the only way he could describe the taste of the tea he just drank. It was very refreshing. He even felt like his tiredness lessened considerably. He knew that it was probably just because the scent of the tea and its taste were very relaxing. But nonetheless, there was no doubt that this tea was very good.

"Good tea!" he couldn't help but exclaimed. "Where did you buy it? I'll also buy a pack. No, I'll buy a dozen pack!"

Astrid chuckled at the other's reaction. "Sister Ellis said the same thing.  And as I've said to her, this is a tea grown in our family's farm. It's not being sold in the market. But don't worry, I've already asked our parents to send me a couple of packs of tea bags. I'll give you one when it arrives."

Since he was also giving one to Ellis, he might as well give one to Lauren. Maybe to Wulfric as well. He had a feeling that the other would like it.

"Then, I'll hold your word on that," Lauren said, sounding very delighted. He picked up the cup of tea and happily took a sip again. "By the way, how was your first day in school?"

At that question, he remembered that kidnapping/attempted murder situation. "Hmm… I can say it's good. But it probably could be worse."

"Why? Did someone bully you?" Lauren asked with concern. 

His question was not really unfounded. Astrid was only a newcomer and yet he already had a following. Even if most of them were not true fans, they were still a following. Not to mention that he had trended simply because of his looks and being a new artist at Polaris that was known in the industry for having high-standards for their artists. 

It would definitely be a source of jealousy. Especially for those students of the same age. They would have a feeling of unfairness. Questioning why Astrid should have an advantage over them just because of his looks. He faced the same kind of jealousy when he started. And he knew how that kind of jealousy could hurt their target in many ways than one.

Astrid smiled. "No, nothing like that." 

He contemplated whether to tell the other about what happened, but he thought it would only make things complicated if more people knew about it. Not that he didn't trust Lauren. But after all, it was something that involved murder. Even he didn't want to get his hands on that. It's better to just leave it to the law enforcement to handle.

"It's just a small blip that was immediately fixed," he added. With the help of Wulfric, of course.

He was just glad that the other agreed to help him. Well, maybe he felt instinctively that Wulfric would help that's why he had the courage to ask. It was also good luck that the other was still in the military academy at that time. 

Then, as if on cue, Astrid's Terminal suddenly rang. It was the sound that someone was trying to video call him. He opened his Terminal and saw Wulfric's name. Without him noticing, a smile subconsciously appeared on his face.

He then looked at Reas who had been ignoring Lauren and at Lauren who had been only talking to him. He stood up and said;

"Excuse me, I'll just take this call."

He didn't wait for their answer and walked to his room.. It's probably better for the two to be alone for a while.